Is there anyway to get the stock radio volume to go any louder?
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Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
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2003 C230K
Is there anyway to get the stock radio volume to go any louder?
I have a 2003 C230 and the max volume on the radio seems a little too low. I just have the stock head unit and speakers. Would I have to add an amp or something to make the speakers go louder? Thanks.
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
They're not going louder. You would need to upgrade them and add amp or something. In my 05, near max volume sounds painful. I don't know how you stand to turn them up!
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: fort worth, tx
06 C230 SS 6spd
Yea stock system was loud and I didn't have it close to max volume. Now I have a full upgraded system and I set pretty low and its pretty loud. You might want to upgrade your hu.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
With my windows down and sunroof open, the stereo's very whimpy, imho.
I do agree that the OP just needs to get an amp and new speakers also, if budget will allow. At least you don't have the Bose "upgrade" and need to rewire everything.
If you do feel like you need to do a H/U upgrade, a new Bekker will wire up easily, and fits in with the plastics very well.
I do agree that the OP just needs to get an amp and new speakers also, if budget will allow. At least you don't have the Bose "upgrade" and need to rewire everything.
If you do feel like you need to do a H/U upgrade, a new Bekker will wire up easily, and fits in with the plastics very well.
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
I agree with Tommy - with windows down the stereo won't go loud enough without distortion for sure.
I disagree with Tommy about the Bose jab. The Bose system in my old Acura TL and the one in the 2008 G37 were fantastic. Certainly far, far above the Audio20 I have in my car and better than the h/k system in the W204 I had for a week.
I disagree with Tommy about the Bose jab. The Bose system in my old Acura TL and the one in the 2008 G37 were fantastic. Certainly far, far above the Audio20 I have in my car and better than the h/k system in the W204 I had for a week.
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
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From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Not sure you'd know how sucky the particular Bose stereo that's in my coupe performs, though. They're not all the same, no?
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 475
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From: Tampa/Lutz, FL.
Correction, Drove An '05 C230 Kompressor SS
I some what had this issue.
When listening to the stock radio at treble +10 and bass at +1 or less, I could get the volume up pretty high without distortion and be content with the level while windows closed, Windows open at 45mph or more is a different story.
Radio here in Tampa sucks and I can't even remember the last time I bought a CD, So MP3 has been my main choice of listening pleasure while I drive.
I installed the W203 Aux Input for Ipod/MP3 and hooked up my Sony MP3 player.
With the OE headunit volume all the way up and the MP3 player maxed out, The Volume was no longer at that "feel It" level.
last Year I forked out $80 for a Fiio E5 MP3 amplifier and ran it in between the MP3 player and Aux in cable.
with the Amp at full volume level up, The Sound quality is at least 75% greater.
No Distortion, clean "feel it" Bass, and crisp treble.
Now Fiio makes an even more powerful amp to take the E5's place.
The New E17 has an even higher Db Gain then the E5, A Bass, Treble, and Balance feature, and a digital readout to fine tune everything.
For around $140, I plan on picking up one in the very near future.
Now I know the amp won't help you if listening to the radio or CD Player, but it is a cheap alternative to clear Loud volume off of your stock Head Unit without rewiring the car and/or adding Amps, Speakers and draining more power from your cars battery, and taking a large chunk out of your wallet.
When listening to the stock radio at treble +10 and bass at +1 or less, I could get the volume up pretty high without distortion and be content with the level while windows closed, Windows open at 45mph or more is a different story.
Radio here in Tampa sucks and I can't even remember the last time I bought a CD, So MP3 has been my main choice of listening pleasure while I drive.
I installed the W203 Aux Input for Ipod/MP3 and hooked up my Sony MP3 player.
With the OE headunit volume all the way up and the MP3 player maxed out, The Volume was no longer at that "feel It" level.
last Year I forked out $80 for a Fiio E5 MP3 amplifier and ran it in between the MP3 player and Aux in cable.
with the Amp at full volume level up, The Sound quality is at least 75% greater.
No Distortion, clean "feel it" Bass, and crisp treble.
Now Fiio makes an even more powerful amp to take the E5's place.
The New E17 has an even higher Db Gain then the E5, A Bass, Treble, and Balance feature, and a digital readout to fine tune everything.
For around $140, I plan on picking up one in the very near future.
Now I know the amp won't help you if listening to the radio or CD Player, but it is a cheap alternative to clear Loud volume off of your stock Head Unit without rewiring the car and/or adding Amps, Speakers and draining more power from your cars battery, and taking a large chunk out of your wallet.
Last edited by Outkasted24; Jul 20, 2012 at 11:10 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Orange County/Inland Empire - CA
2006 C230
I some what had this issue.
When listening to the stock radio at treble +10 and bass at +1 or less, I could get the volume up pretty high without distortion and be content with the level while windows closed, Windows open at 45mph or more is a different story.
Radio here in Tampa sucks and I can't even remember the last time I bought a CD, So MP3 has been my main choice of listening pleasure while I drive.
I installed the W203 Aux Input for Ipod/MP3 and hooked up my Sony MP3 player.
With the OE headunit volume all the way up and the MP3 player maxed out, The Volume was no longer at that "feel It" level.
last Year I forked out $80 for a Fiio E5 MP3 amplifier and ran it in between the MP3 player and Aux in cable.
with the Amp at full volume level up, The Sound quality is at least 75% greater.
No Distortion, clean "feel it" Bass, and crisp treble.
Now Fiio makes an even more powerful amp to take the E5's place.
The New E17 has an even higher Db Gain then the E5, A Bass, Treble, and Balance feature, and a digital readout to fine tune everything.
For around $140, I plan on picking up one in the very near future.
Now I know the amp won't help you if listening to the radio or CD Player, but it is a cheap alternative to clear Loud volume off of your stock Head Unit without rewiring the car and/or adding Amps, Speakers and draining more power from your cars battery, and taking a large chunk out of your wallet.
When listening to the stock radio at treble +10 and bass at +1 or less, I could get the volume up pretty high without distortion and be content with the level while windows closed, Windows open at 45mph or more is a different story.
Radio here in Tampa sucks and I can't even remember the last time I bought a CD, So MP3 has been my main choice of listening pleasure while I drive.
I installed the W203 Aux Input for Ipod/MP3 and hooked up my Sony MP3 player.
With the OE headunit volume all the way up and the MP3 player maxed out, The Volume was no longer at that "feel It" level.
last Year I forked out $80 for a Fiio E5 MP3 amplifier and ran it in between the MP3 player and Aux in cable.
with the Amp at full volume level up, The Sound quality is at least 75% greater.
No Distortion, clean "feel it" Bass, and crisp treble.
Now Fiio makes an even more powerful amp to take the E5's place.
The New E17 has an even higher Db Gain then the E5, A Bass, Treble, and Balance feature, and a digital readout to fine tune everything.
For around $140, I plan on picking up one in the very near future.
Now I know the amp won't help you if listening to the radio or CD Player, but it is a cheap alternative to clear Loud volume off of your stock Head Unit without rewiring the car and/or adding Amps, Speakers and draining more power from your cars battery, and taking a large chunk out of your wallet.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
The standard minijack input with an iPod sounds like crap because you are still using the ****ty iPod DA converters.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 475
Likes: 1
From: Tampa/Lutz, FL.
Correction, Drove An '05 C230 Kompressor SS
Honestly, this is the first time I've heard about a "Boostaroo", So I'm not sure if there is any difference between the two besides price.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2003 C230K
Thank you for all the replies. I will try the little Headphone amp booster first and see if that works do the trick since I am tight on money right now. If I can get it to play loud enough from my phone then I won't even be worried about cds or radio.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 57
Likes: 2
2005 C230
I'm having the same issue. Turned all the way up my sound couldn't even be described as a "dull roar". Could amp be going out? Is there a way to adjust the amp? Or should I just upgrade the head unit & speakers?
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 938
Likes: 53
From: Montreal, Canada
2005 C240 2011 R350
The stock head unit is as good as any mid range aftermarket.. Same DSP chips, same PA modules.
The aux in jack is loud enough . guess it depends on what is driving it. Plugged into my phone it works fine. However I now have a bluetooth adaptor plugged into it and the volume is much lower.
One thing to note is that the HU will reduce bass in order to limit distortion at higher volumes.
The aux in jack is loud enough . guess it depends on what is driving it. Plugged into my phone it works fine. However I now have a bluetooth adaptor plugged into it and the volume is much lower.
One thing to note is that the HU will reduce bass in order to limit distortion at higher volumes.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 57
Likes: 2
2005 C230
The stock head unit is as good as any mid range aftermarket.. Same DSP chips, same PA modules.
The aux in jack is loud enough . guess it depends on what is driving it. Plugged into my phone it works fine. However I now have a bluetooth adaptor plugged into it and the volume is much lower.
One thing to note is that the HU will reduce bass in order to limit distortion at higher volumes.
The aux in jack is loud enough . guess it depends on what is driving it. Plugged into my phone it works fine. However I now have a bluetooth adaptor plugged into it and the volume is much lower.
One thing to note is that the HU will reduce bass in order to limit distortion at higher volumes.
